To the Editor,

When I was a child, we received education that included learning to know the difference between fiction and nonfiction, the difference between fact and tall tales. This new era has so blurred this line that many do not know the difference between a news story on-line and bogus social media generated content.

I have 6 cousins who live in Maui and both of my daughters-in-law have family members in Maui. That makes a total of 9 members of the extended family in Maui. I myself have been to Maui twice.

“Hawaii” is a chain of multiple, volcanic islands and Maui is one of those islands. It is beautiful to the point that words do not do it justice. Rare monk seals and green sea turtles haul out on the northern beach on Maui. It is probably the premier sailboarding site on planet earth. The flowers, the birds and beaches are stunning. It being a haven, in a vast ocean, is why it became a favorite location to land ships and obtain provisions in the whaling era. This how Lahaina’s charms became spread throughout the world, eventually becoming such a well-known tourist destination. But always remember, what we mainlanders and tourists call an exotic vacation is HOME to Native Hawaiians, Asian Pacific immigrant descendants and generations of those who WORK for tourists.

I have overheard some people spreading rumors that they read on social media that the fires “were deliberately set” and that it “only burnt out the poor people and stopped at the houses of the rich people.”

PLEASE STOP.

For the record, Hurricane Dora sent high speed winds that blew over electrical lines. Sparks and fire driven by high winds spread due to drought like conditions. The town on Front Street Lahaina is at sea level. The fire rushed down the mountains and over the area so fast it was uncontrollable.

HUMANS DO NOT CONTROL HURRICANES AND CAN DO VERY LITLE TO CONTROL FAST MOVING WILDFIRES.

Instead of spreading RUMORS, spread compassion. Donate to RED CROSS MAUI WILDFIRE RELIEF FUND by calling and following number, 1-800-435-7665 and donate. Rumors do not help anyone. Truth sets people free. Focus on what you can do to help.

Lorraine Potter-Cooper

Warwick